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Unions representing railway workers opposed the plan, while research found two thirds of BTP officers in Scotland had considered leaving their jobs due to the merger.

The integration was originally scheduled to take place in April 2019.

Scottish Labour said it was a "humiliating climbdown from the SNP".

The latest move follows information from Police Scotland relating to a current computer project and the impact of delivering railway policing integration.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government had to delay indefinitely the integration of BTP into the national force, which was due to take place in spring next year.

'We will re-examine all options'

Mr Yousaf said: "Throughout this process we have been committed to listening to officers and staff.

"As part of that ongoing approach I have decided that we will re-examine all options for the devolution of railway policing, with clear governance structures that ensure accountability to the Scottish Parliament.

"The absolute priority for all those involved is the safety and security of officers, staff and those who use Scotland's railways.

"I intend to update Parliament following summer recess.

"In the meantime I want to pay tribute to the ongoing commitment of officers and staff of both police services, who I look forward to engaging with on this matter in the very near future."

The devolution of railway policing was one of the recommendations of the Smith Commission in 2014.

'Humiliating climbdown'

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson, in his previous role as justice secretary, had spearheaded the legislation merging the BTP and Police Scotland through Holyrood - with the Railway Policing (Scotland) Bill passed by MSPs despite criticism from opposition parties, the unions and others.

The merger was due to take place in April but the timetable was delayed.Opposition politicians called for a rethink of the policy over the summer recess.

The Scottish Government said it will bring together Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority, BTP and other partners to re-examine the available options.

Scottish Labour's justice spokesman Daniel Johnson said: "This is a humiliating climbdown from the SNP, but it is the right approach to the future of our railways.

"Now the government's dogmatic approach, which has has resulted in huge uncertainty for BTP officers and staff, must be stopped."

'Merger is in turmoil'

He continued: "The SNP's plans to merge BTP with Police Scotland was a senseless example of politics before proper public policy and the minimum that the government should do is re-examine its options.

"Ministers should listen to the BTP federation, railway unions and policing experts and rule out a merger completely."